A study of postoperative fever following paediatric tonsillectomy

Diagnosis of Fever Source Following Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy in the Pediatric Emergency Department

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and diagnoses of children with postoperative fever (a temperature of 38°C or higher) during the week after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy and to assess the yield of the laboratory tests and otolaryngologist consultations of these patients in the pediatric emergency department (ED).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all children who presented with fever to the pediatric ED of a tertiary university-affiliated medical center between May 2017 and April 2020 during the week after a tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.

RESULTS

There were 94 patients who fulfilled study entry criteria during the 3-year study period, representing a 6% rate of postoperative fever for combined tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy and 3% for adenoidectomy alone. Only 9 patients (<10% of the total) were classified as having bacterial infection, whereas the most common cause for the fever was pneumonia diagnosed by chest radiography. None had surgical site infection. There was no significant difference in blood test findings of patients diagnosed with a bacterial infection and patients with a presumed viral infection or an inflammatory response to surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this investigation revealed that the source of fever of the overwhelming majority of children who were referred to the pediatric ED for fever after undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy was pneumonia as determined by chest radiography, which can be performed in an outpatient setting. Blood tests and otolaryngologist consultations were not contributory in classifying the source of fever, questioning the value of their routine use in these patients.

The utility and accuracy of ChatGPT in providing post-operative instructions following tonsillectomy: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the utility of answers generated by ChatGPT, a large language model, to common questions parents have for their children following tonsillectomy.

METHODS

Twenty Otolaryngology residents anonymously submitted common questions asked by parents of pediatric patients following tonsillectomy. After identifying the 16 most common questions via consensus-based approach, we asked ChatGPT to generate responses to these queries. Satisfaction with the AI-generated answers was rated from 1 (Worst) to 5 (Best) by an expert panel of 3 pediatric Otolaryngologists.

RESULTS

The distribution of questions across the five most common domains, their mean satisfaction scores, and their Krippendorf's interrater reliability coefficient were: Pain management [6, (3.67), (0.434)], Complications [4, (3.58), (-0.267)], Diet [3, (4.33), (-0.357)], Physical Activity [2, (4.33), (-0.318)], and Follow-up [1, (2.67), (-0.250)]. The panel noted that answers for diet, bleeding complications, and return to school were thorough. Pain management and follow-up recommendations were inaccurate, including a recommendation to prescribe codeine to children despite a black-box warning, and a suggested post-operative follow-up at 1 week, rather than the customary 2-4 weeks for our panel.

CONCLUSION

Although ChatGPT can provide accurate answers for common patient questions following tonsillectomy, it sometimes provides eloquently written inaccurate information. This may lead to patients using AI-generated medical advice contrary to physician advice. The inaccuracy in pain management answers likely reflects regional practice variability. If trained appropriately, ChatGPT could be an excellent resource for Otolaryngologists and patients to answer questions in the postoperative period. Future research should investigate if Otolaryngologist-trained models can increase the accuracy of responses.

Unveiling the Enigmatic Adenoids and Tonsils: Exploring Immunology, Physiology, Microbiome Dynamics, and the Transformative Power of Surgery

Within the intricate realm of the mucosal immune system resides a captivating duo: the adenoids (or pharyngeal tonsils) and the tonsils (including palatine, tubal, and lingual variations), which harmoniously form the Waldeyer's ring. As they are strategically positioned at the crossroads of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, these exceptional structures fulfill a vital purpose. They function as formidable "gatekeepers" by screening microorganisms-both bacteria and viruses-with the mission to vanquish local pathogens via antibody production. However, under specific circumstances, their function can take an unsettling turn, inadvertently transforming them into reservoirs for pathogen incubation. In this review, we embark on a fascinating journey to illuminate the distinctive role of these entities, focusing on the local immune system inside their tissues. We delve into their behavior during inflammation processes, meticulously scrutinize the indications for surgical intervention, and investigate the metamorphosis of their microbiota in healthy and diseased states. We explore the alterations that occur prior to and following procedures like adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, or their combined counterparts, particularly in pediatric patients. By comprehending a wealth of data, we may unlock the key to the enhanced management of patients with otorhinolaryngological disorders. Empowered with this knowledge, we can embrace improved therapeutic approaches and targeted interventions/surgeries guided by evidence-based guidelines and indications.

Peritonsillar infiltration of lidocaine with adrenaline is associated with increased risk of secondary post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage

OBJECTIVES

In order to evaluate the safety of tonsillectomy among children, we retrospectively studied the incidence of post-operative complications, adverse events and their association with peri-operative medication.

METHODS

Data were collected from the medical records of 691 patients aged 1-16 years, including details of post-operative complications (any unplanned contact with the hospital), analgesics, dexamethasone, 5-HT3 antagonists, local anaesthetic and haemostatic agents.

RESULTS

Recovery was complicated in 13.6 per cent of patients, of whom 8.4 per cent were re-admitted to the ward. The most common complication was post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage, experienced by 7.1 per cent of patients. Re-operation under general anaesthesia (for grade III post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage) was required by 4.2 per cent of patients. Peritonsillar infiltration of lidocaine with adrenaline increased the risk of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage (odds ratio = 4.1; 95 per cent confidence interval = 2.1 to 8.3).

CONCLUSION

Every seventh paediatric patient experienced a complicated recovery after tonsillectomy, caused by post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage in most cases. Local peritonsillar infiltration of lidocaine with adrenaline was associated with an increased risk of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage.

Role of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Complications of Tonsillectomy in Pediatric Patients

Tonsillectomy and tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy are among the most common surgical procedures in otolaryngology practice. Gastroesophageal reflux was identified as a risk factor for complications in tonsillectomy. This prospective study was designed to assess the role of reflux in the development of complications following tonsillectomy in pediatric patients. Children (n = 60) who underwent tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy were divided into two groups, i.e., the laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) group and control group. Patients with LPR were identified by reflux symptom index and reflux finding score. Pain, hemorrhage, fever, nausea, vomiting, fever, dehydration, infection, and pulmonary problems were evaluated post operatively. The mean lengths of hospital stay were 2.11 days in the reflux group and 1.05 days in the control group. The difference was statistically significant. Visual analogue scores of both groups were similar on day 1 but it was significantly higher on day 7 and 14 in LPR group. Nausea and vomiting rates were 11.1 and 9.5 % for the patients in the LPR group and the controls, respectively. The difference between the two groups was not significant. The mean fever was 37.6 °C in the reflux group and 37.3 °C in the controls, which were not significantly different. 19 % of the controls and 22 % of the LPR group patients were readmitted. This difference was not statistically significant. There were two cases of bleeding in the reflux group, while no bleeding occurred in the control group. This difference was significant statistically. LPR is a risk factor for complications following tonsillectomy.

Posttonsillectomy bacteremia and comparison of tonsillar surface and deep culture

Objective. This study aimed to identify the microorganisms of surface and depth of tonsils and whether these microorganisms bring the menace of bacteremia during tonsillectomy in the children under surgery. Materials and Methods. The culture specimens were taken from surface and depth of tonsil from the patients suffering from chronic tonsillitis at the time of operation. Also, 10 mL venous blood samples were taken 5 minutes before and after the operation for microbiological study. Results. According to the results, 112 (76.1%) and 117 (79.6%) cultures from surface and depth of tonsils represented multiple microorganisms, respectively. Besides, staphylococci coagulase positive was the most common organism in both surface and depth of tonsils. None of the preoperation blood cultures were positive, while 3 postoperation blood cultures (2.1%) were positive. Staphylococci coagulase negative and alpha hemolytic streptococcus were detected in 2 cases (1.4%) and 1 case (0.7%), respectively. Conclusion. In the present study, the two cultured sites were almost similar regarding the types of isolated microorganisms. Our results suggested that bacteremia might occur after tonsillectomy. Therefore, to avoid the possible dramatic outcomes after tonsillectomy, pre- and postoperation attendances are essential.

Circulating cytokines in patients undergoing tonsillectomy with fibrin glue

OBJECTIVE

Fibrin glue is used as a haemostatic agent or as a sealant. The aim of this study is to objectively evaluate the efficacy of the use of fibrin glue Quixil - a human surgical sealer - in tonsillectomy, for the reduction of post-operative inflammatory response.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective randomized single-blind study.

METHODS

The study was performed on 40 consecutive patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy (T&A). Patients were randomly assigned to one of two sub-groups: a study group and a control group. The tonsillar beds of patients in the study group were coated with fibrin glue (Quixil, OMRIX biopharmaceuticals) at the end of the operation; the patients in the control group were treated for hemostasis without the use of fibrin glue. Complete blood counts and circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (assayed by specific immunoassay - ELISA) were assessed in samples drawn pre- and 16 h post-tonsillectomy.

RESULTS

Forty patients (aged 5.8 ± 2.4 years) were consecutively enrolled; 45% (18) of the patients were treated with fibrin glue, 55% (22) were not. Compared to controls, Quixil-treated patients demonstrated a reduction in post-tonsillectomy circulating leukocytes (29.2% vs. 45.4%, p<0.05), neutrophiles (28.3% vs. 42.1%, p<0.05), IL-6 (+1% vs. +42%, p<0.05), and TNF-alpha (+8% vs. +26%, p<0.05.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-operative fibrin glue therapy is associated with decreased immediate inflammatory response following T&A. Further studies are warranted to assess long-term outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1B.

Bacteremia during quinsy and elective tonsillectomy: an evaluation of antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations for patients undergoing tonsillectomy

AIMS

Bacteremia during elective tonsillectomy is well recognized, whereas bacteremia during quinsy tonsillectomy has never been studied. The aim of the present study was to explore the incidence of bacteremia during elective and quinsy tonsillectomy in order to evaluate the antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations to patients at high risk of infective endocarditis who are undergoing tonsillectomy.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted on 80 patients undergoing elective tonsillectomy and 36 patients undergoing acute tonsillectomy due to peritonsillar abscess. Blood cultures, tonsillar swabs, core tissue, and pus aspirates were analyzed by standard microbiological techniques.

RESULTS

Bacteremia was detected in 73% of patients during elective tonsillectomy compared to 56% during quinsy tonsillectomy (P = .089, Fishers exact test). Significantly more blood culture bottles were positive for each isolate obtained from elective tonsillectomy cases compared to quinsy tonsillectomy cases (P < .001, Spearman rank correlation). In all, 59% and 42% of electively and acutely tonsillectomized patients, respectively, had bacteremia with microorganisms that are predominant in bacterial endocarditis. Ninety-three percent of the isolated strains were sensitive to amoxicillin, and all were sensitive to amoxicillin with clavulanic acid.

DISCUSSION

Our results challenge the distinction made by the European Society of Cardiology between elective and quinsy tonsillectomy, with regard to antibiotic prophylaxis recommendation only to patients undergoing procedures to treat an established infection. To provide full empiric coverage, including coverage for Staphylococcus aureus, we advocate the use of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid in patients at high risk of infective endocarditis.

Single intraoperative intravenous Co-Amoxiclav versus postoperative full oral course in prevention of postadenotonsillectomy morbidity: a randomised clinical trial

Background

Adenotonsillectomy results in postoperative morbidity which otolaryngologists attempt to reduce by use of antibiotics. The regimes used as quite varied with some opting for a full oral course postoperatively while others prefer prophylactic doses. This randomised clinical trial done in Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya had the aim of comparing the efficacy of Co-Amoxiclav given as a single intravenous dose with a full oral course in the prevention of post adenotonsillectomy morbidity.

Methods

126 patients below 12 years scheduled to undergo adenotonsillectomy were randomised into two groups. 63 were given a single intravenous dose of Enhancin [Co-Amoxiclav] at induction while the remaining half received a five days oral course of the same postoperatively. All received oral Pacimol [Paracetamol] in the postoperative period. Analysis was done and comparison made between the two groups with regards to pain, fever and diet tolerated in the postoperative period with a follow up period of seven days.

Results

There was no statistical significant difference between the two groups with regards to postoperative pain, fever and diet tolerated. All had a P-value > 0.2. Postoperative pain was highest in the first postoperative day and reduced progressively to the lowest level on the 7^th postoperative day. As pain reduced, patients were able to tolerate a more solid diet with all but 6 tolerating their usual diet. 4 patients developed fever in the 1^st postoperative day which did not progress to the next day. One patient had fever on the 4^th and 7^th postoperative day and was admitted in the paediatrics' ward with a chest infection. All these patients with history of fever were in the group that was on oral postoperative Co-Amoxiclav.

Conclusion

A single intraoperative dose of Co-Amoxiclav given intravenously at induction was found to be just as effective as a full oral course of the same given postoperatively in the prevention of post adenotonsillectomy morbidity. The prophylactic dose is favoured over the later as it is cheaper, ensures compliance and relieves off the need for refrigeration of the oral suspension as not all have access to refrigeration in low economy countries as ours.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01267942

Reoperative treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Over the last several decades, various surgical treatments have been advocated and used to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Treatments ranging from aggressive procedures, such as tracheostomy, to the least-invasive procedures, such as radioablation, have not yielded satisfactory results. One of the major causes for surgical failures and lower success rates lies in the inadequate understanding and appreciation of the anatomic and pathophysiologic factors that contribute to upper airway obstruction. In some cases, combinations of various surgical techniques may help improve the conditions. This article reviews several major types of surgical procedures, their complications, and the recommended approaches for retreatments.

Bacteremia during Adenoidectomy: A Comparison of Suction Diathermy Adenoid Ablation and Adenoid Curettage

Objectives:

Transient bacteremia is induced by adenoidectomy when the integrity of the nasopharyngeal membrane is broken. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of bacteremia in patients undergoing adenoidectomy, to identify the causative organisms, and to compare the incidences of bacteremia between the two techniques suction diathermy and curettage.

Methods:

A prospective single-blind randomized trial was performed. Sixty-four patients between the ages of 2 and 13 years who were undergoing adenoidectomy were included in the study. Exclusion criteria included antimicrobial therapy in the immediate preoperative period and concurrent respiratory tract infection or pyrexia. Patients were randomized in the anesthetic room to either suction diathermy or curettage. Venous blood samples for culture were obtained 30 seconds after the procedure began (intraoperative sample) and 2 minutes after removal of the adenoid tissue (postoperative sample). Postoperative complications were recorded, and all patients were followed in the outpatient department.

Results:

Twenty-six patients underwent adenoidectomy by suction diathermy, and 38 underwent adenoidectomy by curettage. In the suction diathermy group, 38.5% of intraoperative and 19.2% of postoperative blood cultures had a positive result for bacteremia. In the curettage group, 31.6% of intraoperative and 23.6% of postoperative blood cultures had a positive result for bacteremia. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The techniques were equivalent in terms of postoperative complications. Gram-positive cocci were the most commonly isolated organisms.

Conclusions:

A transient bacteremia exists after pediatric adenoidectomy, but does not correlate with symptoms or signs. Neither suction diathermy adenoidectomy nor curettage adenoidectomy offers a particular advantage in terms of decreasing the incidence of bacteremia.

Utility of prophylactic antibiotics in pediatric adenoidectomy

OBJECTIVE

To determine the utility of prophylactic antibiotics in non-risk pediatric patients undergoing adenoidectomy.

METHODS

We performed a prospective, controlled, randomized, and double-blind study on patients under 14 years of age, scheduled for adenoidectomy who accomplished the following criteria: absence of immunosuppressive and/or cardiovascular risk factors, no antimicrobial therapy for at least 15 days prior to operation, and no fever 1 week before surgery. Venous blood samples for culture were obtained at 30s and 20 min after the curettage of adenoidal tissue. Likewise, immediate and delayed complications were registered in all cases. The usefulness of prophylaxis was analyzed according to three major standpoints: bacteremia, immediate complications, and delayed complications.

RESULTS

One-hundred one patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Fifty-one children received prophylaxis and the remainder did not. In the non-prophylactic group incidence of bacteremia at 30s was significantly higher than in the prophylactic group (32.7% versus 4.0%) (p<0.001). Neither bacteremia at 20 min, nor immediate or delayed complications showed statistical differences between both treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in pediatric adenoidectomy did not offer advantages preventing complications in non-risk patients. Only bacteremia that occurs 30s after the curettage of adenoid tissue is reduced with the employment of prophylactic antibiotics.

Is tympanic membrane thermometry the best method for recording temperature in children?

Tympanic membrane thermometry has become increasingly popular for measuring temperature in children. The aim of this review is to ascertain the most appropriate, research-based thermometry method for use with children in acute healthcare settings. The following are considered: Concerns regarding the accuracy of the tympanic membrane thermometer. Whether comparison of the tympanic membrane thermometer with temperature measurement at other body sites is appropriate. How choice of thermometer may be influenced by children's and nurses' preferences, technique, the age of the child, ear size and children with otitis media, perforated eardrums, cerumen (ear wax), ear pain or grommets in-situ. Children's preferences and rectal thermometry in relation to children's rights, which have not been reviewed so far.

Bacteremia following pediatric adenoidectomy

OBJECTIVE

Adenoidectomy is frequently performed in children. The goals of this work were to determine the incidence of bacteremia during the adenoidectomy, to identify the microorganisms implicated, and to analyze the possible association of bacteremia with postoperative complications.

METHODS

One hundred pediatric patients operated of adenoidectomy without preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis were prospectively included in this study. They had no immunosuppressive and/or cardiovascular risk factors, no antimicrobial therapy for at least 15 days prior to operation, and no fever 1 week before surgery. Venous blood samples were obtained 30 s and 20 min after the curettage of adenoidal tissue.

RESULTS

The 33 and 14% of the samples were positive at 30 s and 20 min. The organism more commonly isolated was the streptococcus viridans. Bacteremia was only related to postoperative acute otitis media (p=0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

Bacteremia exists after pediatric adenoidectomy, although it seldom correlates with clinical signs or symptoms. Postoperative acute otitis media is the only complication related to postsurgical bacteremia.

Cold dissection versus bipolar cauterizing tonsillectomy for bacteriemia

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to compare transient bacteriemia ratios between cold dissection tonsillectomy and bipolar cauterizing tonsillectomy, and also to analyze the bacteria detected with superficial/central tonsillar cultures.

METHODS

A total of 86 patients that were grouped as 46 patients of cold dissection tonsillectomy and 40 patients of bipolar cauterizing tonsillectomy were included in this study. Preoperative surface swab cultures, intraoperative central swab cultures of tonsils, and preoperative and postoperative blood culture samples were obtained. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were determined. Fischer exact chi 2 test was performed to compare the results of postoperative bacteriemia of both techniques statistically.

RESULTS

Postoperative bacteriemia was detected in 6 (13%) patients of cold dissection tonsillectomy group. In 5 (83.3%) of the 6 postoperative bacteriemia patients of cold dissection tonsillectomy group, isolated microorganism was confirmed both in the blood cultures and in the central swab cultures of tonsils, and resistance to penicillin was established. No patient of bipolar cauterizing tonsillectomy group appeared with postoperative bacteriemia. There was a statistically significant difference (P=.028) for postoperative bacteriemia between cold dissection tonsillectomy group and bipolar cauterizing tonsillectomy group.

CONCLUSION

We recommend bipolar cauterizing tonsillectomy for high-risk patients.

Invasive group A streptococcal infection after tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is a very common procedure in childhood. Infectious complications after tonsillectomy are infrequently reported. We describe two children with severe group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection after tonsillectomy, and we review the literature about bacteremia and infectious complications after tonsillectomy.

Bacteremia during adenoidectomy

OBJECTIVE

Although adenoidectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in children, there is no satisfactory information about the risk of bacteremia during adenoidectomy and necessity of antibiotic use. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of bacteremia during adenoidectomy and identify the organisms leading to bacteremia.

METHODS

Thirty two patients who had undergone adenoidectomy at ENT Clinic of Sutcu Imam University were included in the study. They had received no antimicrobial therapy for at least 20 days before surgery. Adenoidal surface and deep tissue cultures were taken and venous blood samples were obtained for cultures before and immediately after adenoidectomy in which adenoid was removed with a curette.

RESULTS

While none of the blood cultures taken preoperatively was positive for any organisms, the cultures obtained postoperatively were positive in only two of 32 patients included in the study.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that there is an extremely low incidence of bacteremia during adenoidectomy. As a result, it may be concluded that the use of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent bacteremia or its complications is unnecessary unless the patient has a predisposing factor for cardiac infection like prosthetic valve replacement.

Postoperative fever

Postoperative fever should alert the caregiver to the possibility of an infection complicating the recovery of the patient, but the presence of fever is not a reliable indicator of the presence of infection, and the absence of fever does not guarantee that the postoperative patient is infection-free. It is necessary to recognize that surgical infections add considerable cost to the care of patients. In a study published in 1993, postoperative infection added more than $12,000 to the cost of the patient's care; at present, this cost is certainly greater. The presence of postoperative fever in the absence of infection adds significantly to patient care--more than $9000 when compared with the uninfected patient.

["Usual" morbidity of pediatric tonsillectomy: a study of 126 cases]

Pediatric tonsillectomy is a common procedure in the ENT practice, usually in a Day-surgery basis. The aim of the present work is to further investigate postoperative morbidity to improve both treatment and quality of assistance. 126 children operated in our Day-surgery unit were included in the study, and a questionnaire with items related to postoperative pain, otalgia, halitosis, vomitig, fever and other aspects was filled by their parents or relatives in charge. Significative pain lasting until the third or fourth day was recorded in half of the cases. At the end of the first week most of the children are improved, although only 55% are eating normally. Vomitting, usually the day of the surgery, is described by one third of cases. In our experience, ambulatory tonsillectomy is a safe procedure with low incidence of complications, which are mild. However, the delay in returning to a normal diet and the relative high incidence of vomiting bring into question the inclusion of tonsillectomy in a Day-Surgery program, making necessary to implement treatment protocols to avoid such problems.